mmol/L to mg/dL Converter
Convert blood biomarker values between mmol/L and mg/dL for glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, and 16+ common substances. Free online health converter with accurate formulas, comparison charts, and detailed breakdowns.
About This Calculator
Our mmol/L to mg/dL Converter helps you convert blood test results between millimoles per liter (mmol/L) and milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) for over 16 common clinical biomarkers. Whether you need to convert glucose, cholesterol, creatinine, BUN, or any other substance, this calculator uses the correct molecular-weight-based conversion factor for each molecule.
The conversion is based on a straightforward formula: for each substance, multiply the mmol/L value by the molar mass (g/mol) divided by 10 to get mg/dL. For example, glucose has a molar mass of 180.156 g/mol, so 1 mmol/L of glucose equals 18.0156 mg/dL. To convert from mg/dL to mmol/L, divide instead. This method is standard in clinical chemistry and used by laboratories worldwide.
Understanding your blood test results is crucial for managing health conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, kidney disease, and metabolic disorders. Different countries and laboratories use different units — the United States primarily uses mg/dL, while most other countries use mmol/L. This converter bridges that gap so you can compare your results against guidelines from any region.
Regional Notes
United States: US labs report most blood tests in mg/dL. Fasting glucose reference range is 70-100 mg/dL. Total cholesterol is reported in mg/dL with optimal below 200 mg/dL. Creatinine reference range is 0.7-1.3 mg/dL for adult males.
United Kingdom: The NHS reports blood tests in mmol/L. Fasting glucose reference is 3.9-5.6 mmol/L. Total cholesterol should be below 5 mmol/L. Creatinine reference is 59-104 μmol/L (which converts to 0.67-1.18 mg/dL).
India: Indian labs commonly use mg/dL, though mmol/L appears in some settings. Fasting glucose normal: 70-100 mg/dL. Total cholesterol desirable: below 200 mg/dL. The Indian Council of Medical Research provides region-specific reference ranges that may differ slightly from Western guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert mmol/L to mg/dL for blood glucose?
To convert blood glucose from mmol/L to mg/dL, multiply the mmol/L value by 18.0156. For example, 5.5 mmol/L of glucose equals 99 mg/dL (5.5 × 18.0156). The factor 18.0156 is derived from glucose's molar mass (180.156 g/mol) divided by 10.
How do I convert mg/dL to mmol/L?
To convert from mg/dL to mmol/L, divide the mg/dL value by the substance-specific conversion factor (molar mass / 10). For glucose: divide by 18.0156. For cholesterol: divide by 38.6654. For creatinine: divide by 11.312. The factor depends on the molecular weight of the substance being measured.
What is the difference between mmol/L and mg/dL?
mmol/L (millimoles per liter) measures the number of molecules of a substance in a liter of blood, while mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) measures the weight of the substance in a deciliter. mmol/L is the standard in most countries except the United States, which primarily uses mg/dL. The conversion between them uses the molecular weight of each specific substance.
What are normal blood glucose levels in mmol/L and mg/dL?
Normal fasting blood glucose is 70-100 mg/dL (3.9-5.6 mmol/L). Prediabetes ranges from 100-126 mg/dL (5.6-7.0 mmol/L), and diabetes is diagnosed at 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or higher on two separate tests. Post-meal (2-hour) glucose should be below 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L). These ranges are consistent across the US, UK, and India.
What is the conversion factor for cholesterol from mmol/L to mg/dL?
For total cholesterol, HDL, and LDL, multiply mmol/L by 38.6654 to get mg/dL. For triglycerides, multiply mmol/L by 88.57 to get mg/dL. These factors come from the molar mass of each substance: 386.654 g/mol for cholesterol and 885.7 g/mol for triglycerides, divided by 10.
Why does the conversion factor differ for each substance?
The conversion factor differs because each molecule has a different molar mass (molecular weight). A millimole of glucose weighs 180.156 mg, while a millimole of cholesterol weighs 386.654 mg. Since mg/dL measures weight and mmol/L measures molecular count, the mass per molecule determines the conversion ratio. Always use the substance-specific factor for accurate results.
What countries use mmol/L vs mg/dL for blood tests?
The United States, India, and several Asian countries primarily use mg/dL for most blood tests. The United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most European countries use mmol/L for glucose, cholesterol, and other blood biomarkers. Some countries like India may use both units depending on the laboratory and physician preference.
Can I use this converter for medical diagnosis?
No. This converter is for educational and reference purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a healthcare provider to interpret your blood test results and determine appropriate treatment based on your individual health status and medical history.